Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Question 108: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the number of cases of farmers who had progressed their application for the early retirement scheme but who had not lodged their application before budget 2009 who have had their files dealt with; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20167/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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My Department received approximately 60 applications for the Early Retirement Scheme after 14 October 2008. These applications could not be accepted for processing as they were received after the date on which the Scheme had been suspended for new applications due to budgetary constraints. Apart from these 60 applications my Department is not aware of the number of other farmers who may have intended making an application under the Early Retirement Scheme.

I indicated at the time of the announcement on 14 October 2008 that I would monitor all schemes and services throughout 2009 and would review the position thoroughly in the context of the preparations of the 2010 Estimates for my Department.